FOUNDING COHORT – 2026

NEXT GENERATION INITIATIVE

Connecting the Next Generation of Election Leaders

Overview

The Next Generation Initiative is a national program designed to support and connect emerging leaders in local election administration.

Local election administrators play a critical role in administering elections and maintaining public confidence in democratic processes. As the profession evolves, it is increasingly important to support the next generation of professionals entering the field.

The initiative brings together a small national cohort of early-career election administrators to participate in professional development, peer learning, and cross-state collaboration focused on the challenges and opportunities facing election administration today. Participants engage in structured conversations and practical discussions designed to strengthen their day-to-day work while building a foundation for long-term career growth.

Program Goals

The Next Generation Initiative seeks to:

  • Support professional development for early-career election administrators
  • Strengthen collaboration among clerks across states
  • Encourage knowledge sharing and peer learning
  • Build a network of emerging leaders committed to effective election administration

Program Structure

Participants will take part in a dynamic and interactive experience that includes:

  • Virtual discussions with peers from jurisdictions across the country
  • Professional development sessions with experienced election administrators and governance experts
  • Opportunities to discuss practical challenges in election administration and share best practices

What Participants Gain

Participants leave the program with tangible skills, connections, and perspective:

  • Practical strategies to navigate real-world challenges in election administration
  • A trusted national network of peers facing similar responsibilities
  • Direct access to experienced leaders and subject-matter experts
  • Increased confidence in public communication and decision-making
  • Professional relationships that continue well beyond the program year

Program Commitment

  • Duration: July 2026 – June 2027
  • Time Commitment: Approximately 2 – 4 hours per month
  • Format: Quarterly information sessions, monthly virtual sessions, and peer discussions

Participants are expected to actively contribute to discussions and engage with peers throughout the program year.

Who should apply

Early-career election administrators who:

  • Are 35 or younger
  • Currently serve in a role that administers elections at the local level
  • Are interested in leadership development and professional collaboration

Apply or Nominate

The Next Generation Initiative is now accepting applications for its Founding Cohort, a highly selective national program supporting emerging leaders in local election administration.

This inaugural cohort will bring together a small group of election administrators across the United States to engage in professional development, peer collaboration, and cross-state dialogue on the future of election administration.

Selection is competitive and based on demonstrated commitment to the profession, meaningful contributions within one’s role, and a clear interest in continued growth and collaboration.

Apply

Early-career election administrators who are interested in joining a national network of peers are encouraged to apply.

Apply Now

Nominate

We invite colleagues, supervisors, and professional partners to nominate rising leaders in election administration.

Nominations help identify outstanding individuals who may not otherwise apply. Eligible nominees will be invited to submit a formal application.

Nomination Form

Timeline

Applications are open for a limited time and must be submitted by May 30, 2026.

Selected participants will be notified in June, and the Founding Cohort will be publicly announced and launched in July 2026.